Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources to Soon Execute Crackdown on Illegal Mining

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, stated that his ministry will soon execute the crackdown on illegal mining activities, in line with instructions from President Prabowo Subianto.

“In the near future, I will execute it because the mapping has already been done,” Bahlil said when met at the Ministry of ESDM office in Jakarta on Friday.

Bahlil conveyed that he had reported the latest developments to President Prabowo Subianto during a meeting on Thursday (16/4).

Regarding the extent of the land area, Bahlil said he would reveal it on another occasion.

The land area in question, he continued, will include the results of evaluations of Mining Business Permits (IUP) located in forest areas, including protected forests, conservation forests, and nature reserves.

“This includes forest areas that do not yet have IPPKH (Forest Area Utilisation Permits) and permits that cannot be converted. We will announce the total extent later,” Bahlil stated.

The Presidential Secretariat, in its official press release confirmed in Jakarta on Friday, explained that this firm government action marks a new phase in the reform of the national mining sector, which not only ensures legal certainty and good governance but also maintains a balance between the utilisation of natural resources and environmental protection.

“With more disciplined and measured IUP arrangements, the government emphasises that the management of natural resources must be in the interests of the nation, sustainable, and provide the maximum benefit for the Indonesian people,” stated the official press release from the Presidential Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia.

In last week’s Government Working Meeting, President Prabowo highlighted the existence of hundreds of suspected illegal mining permits.

“So, there are several hundred of them. The Minister of ESDM should immediately evaluate! If it’s unclear, revoke them all! We no longer have time to be too merciful; there is no mercy now. We are only defending national interests and the interests of the people,” President Prabowo said during the Government Working Meeting at the Palace last week.